Patent Application
20060113367
The invention relates to apparatus, articles of manufacture and methods relating to fastening and separating container portions.
Many containers, such as envelopes, re-usable envelopes, pockets, carriers, cartons, boxes, folded forms, greeting cards, packaging, brochures, booklets, magazines and mailers, are designed to be sealed or fastened and thereafter opened or separated. Various problems and inefficiencies are associated with the sealing and subsequent opening of containers. For example, unsealing or opening of the item is often difficult, messy or damaging to the item. Attempts at solving the problems and inefficiencies associated with fastening and separating such items have proven unsatisfactory.
Accordingly, there exists a need for apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for fastening and separating containers having one or more of the following attributes, capabilities or features: allows for easy release, separation or opening of connected container portions; limits, minimizes or eliminates damage to container portions being separated; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of container portions during separation; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of container portions during separation regardless of the direction of separation of the connected container portions; reduces, limits, eliminates or controls tearing of container portions during separation when the connected container portions are separated in a particular direction; indicates tampering or attempted opening of connected container portions; prevents or reduces damage to text or graphics included on one or more connected/separated container portion; provides an intuitive mechanism for opening or separating connected container portions; makes opening containers easier; provides simple, dependable, easy-open functionality for containers; preserves the appearance and/or integrity of connected container portions after separation; provides desired sturdiness of affixation/separation mechanisms; eliminates the need for equipment to open certain containers or separate connected container portions; enables re-use, resealing or remailing of containers; prevents accidental opening of perforations on containers; allows for easy connection of container portions; removes or reduces uncertainty in determining the quantity and extent of affixation material to include on container portions to be connected; enables the manufacture, sealing and use of containers with less affixation material; simplifies the manufacturing process of containers; removes or reduces potential difficulties in processing and/or handling containers; allows for easy use of container manufacturing and handling equipment, such as high-speed envelope insertion and sealing equipment.
Various embodiments of the present invention involve apparatus and methods for fastening together at least two container portions of at least one among an envelope, mailer, form and brochure and allowing the separation thereof. In some embodiments, at least one adhesive spot is disposed upon the first container portion. The at least one adhesive spot is capable of fastening together the first and second container portions. At least one weakened area is formed into the first container portion. Each weakened area is disposed adjacent to an adhesive spot, includes at least three cuts and has an overall generally arcuate shape. The at least one weakened area assists in easing the separation and release of the first and second container portions by limiting the tearing of at least one container portion proximate to the adhesive spot(s). The at least one weakened area is sturdy enough to limit detachment of the first container portion proximate to the at least one adhesive spot from the first container portion.
In various embodiments, the at least one adhesive spot is alone capable of fastening together the first and second container portions absent any other adhering mechanism for fastening together the first and second container portions. A first the adhesive spot is disposed upon the first container portion, and at least one pair of weakened areas is included. Each weakened area includes at least two cuts. A first the pair of weakened areas includes a first weakened area disposed adjacent to the first adhesive spot on the first container portion and a second weakened area disposed on the second container portion in alignment with the first weakened area. When the first and second container portions are connected together, one of the first and second weakened areas overlays the other weakened area. The weakened areas assist in easing the separation and release of the first and second container portions by limiting the tearing of the container portions proximate to the adhesive spot(s) without the detachment of a substantial part of either container portion proximate to the adhesive spot(s) during separation thereof.
In some embodiments, at least one adhesive spot is disposed upon the first container portion, and at least one weakened area is disposed adjacent to each adhesive spot. The at least one weakened area includes a plurality of cuts. At least one of the plurality of cuts of at least one of the weakened areas at least partially overlaps at least one other cut. The weakened area assists in easing the separation of the first and second container portions by limiting the tearing of at least one of the container portions proximate to the adhesive spot(s) without detachment of a substantial part of either container portion proximate to the adhesive spot(s) during separation thereof.
In certain embodiments, the present invention involves an apparatus for sealing together at least two container portions of at least one container and allowing the separation thereof. First and second engageable container portions are included. At least one among the first and second container portions is removable from the container(s), which may thereafter be resealed. At least one adhesive spot is disposed upon at least one among the first and second container portions and capable of fastening them together. At least one weakened area is disposed adjacent to an adhesive spot. The at least one weakened area assists in easing the separation of the first and second container portions by limiting the ply separation of at least one container portion proximate to the at least one adhesive spot without detachment of a substantial part of either container portion proximate to the at least one adhesive spot during separation thereof.
The present invention also includes embodiments of an apparatus for fastening together at least two container portions and allowing the separation thereof. First and second engageable container portions are included. At least one adhesive spot is disposed upon at least one among the first and second container portions. The at least one adhesive spot is alone capable of fastening together the first and second container portions absent any other adhesive for fastening them together. A first adhesive spot is disposed upon the first container portion. At least one pair of weakened areas is also included. Each weakened area includes a plurality of cuts. At least one of the plurality of cuts of at least one weakened area at least partially overlaps at least one other cut. The first pair of weakened areas includes a first weakened area disposed adjacent to the first adhesive spot on the first container portion and a second weakened area disposed on the second container portion in alignment with the first weakened area. When the first and second container portions are connected together, one of them overlays the other. The weakened areas assist in easing the separation and release of the first and second container portions by limiting the tearing of the container portion proximate to the adhesive spot(s) without detachment of a substantial part of either container portion proximate to the adhesive spot(s) during separation thereof.
Accordingly, the present invention includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance container connecting and/or separation technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present invention described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.
For a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIGS. 7A-C are front views of an example reusable envelope-type container including an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 14A-B are partial top views of an example carton-type container including an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 15A-E are partial top views of an example box-type container with a removable portion and including an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 16A-C are front views an example form-type container with a removable portion and including an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 17A-C are front views an example brochure-type container including an embodiment of the present invention.
Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. It should be understood that the appended drawings and description herein are of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention or the appended claims. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In showing and describing the preferred embodiments, common or similar features are indicated by like or identical reference numerals or, in the absence of a reference numeral, are evident based upon the appended drawings and/or description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
As used in this patent (including the headings) of this patent, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof are not intended to mean the invention of every possible embodiment of the invention or any particular patent claim or claims. Thus, the subject or topic of each such reference is not necessarily part of every embodiment of the invention or required by any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference.
Referring initially to the embodiment of
In accordance with one independent aspect of the present invention, the adhesive spot 20 is used to adhere the subject container portions together to attach or connect them, or to seal, close, enclose, fasten or secure the container, a part of the container or multiple containers. It should be understood that the present invention is in no way limited by the purpose for the connection or fastening, or the nature of the container(s) or connected container portions or the item or area that is enclosed. The adhesive spot 20 does not span the entire length or width of the container portion upon which it is disposed. In some applications, the adhesive spot 20 may be formed of a minimal or particular size, such as to provide sufficient bonding and tension to connect the subject container portions, while having a desirable release factor to enable controlled separation thereof. Further, as desired, the adhesive spot 20 may or may not be used in addition to one or more other mechanism for adhering or connecting the subject container portions.
The adhesive spot 20 may be any desired, suitable mechanism for adhering the desired container portions together. For some examples, the adhesive spots 20 may be constructed of glue, tape, adhesive, remoistenable gum or glue, contact gum or glue, latex gum, peel-n-seal tape, two-sided taps, fugitive adhesive and any combination thereof. Thus, as used in this patent, the term “adhesive spot” means any suitable mechanism disposed upon and spanning less than the entire length or width of at least one container portion for adhering two or more container portions together.
The adhesive spot 20 may have any suitable shape, size and orientation. Also, if desired, the type, quantity and thickness of the adhesive spot 20 may be selected, such as to provide sufficient bonding and tension while having a desirable release factor to enable controlled separation of the connected container portions. In the embodiment of
In another independent aspect of the present invention, the weakened area 30 assists in (i) easing the separation or release of the connected container portions, (ii) reducing damage to, tearing or detachment of, the connected container portions during separation, (iii) preventing destruction of printed matter and/or graphics on the container, or any combination of (i)-(iii). As used in this patent, the terms “separation control”, “easing the separation” and variations thereof means having one or more of the capabilities of (i)-(iii) above. Some examples of separation control (easing the separation) are limiting the tearing, adhesion, peeling or ply separation of at least one of the connected container portions during separation regardless of the direction of separation of the connected container portions, controlling the separation or tearing of the connected container portions without the detachment of the associated adhesive spot from its original container portion and controlling damage to the connected container portions when separated in a particular direction. The present invention can also be used in certain applications to provide evidence of separation, tampering or entry.
In the example of
Some other examples of containers include carriers, boxes, folded forms, welded forms, greeting cards, packaging, cartons, mailers, pockets, brochures, booklets, magazines, books, as well as re-usable cartons, boxes, forms, packaging, mailers and envelopes. With respect to the use of the present invention with envelopes, any desired type or configuration of envelope may be used. Some example types of envelopes are billing, proxy, direct mail, correspondence, storage and filing envelopes and overnight carriers. The envelopes may, for example, be constructed with a closure seal flap, a front panel and a back panel, and manufactured with or without in-side seam flaps, out-side seam flaps, diagonal seams, V-Flap seams, welded side-seams, multiple part snap-out seams, continuous form welded seams, or any combination thereof, or other suitable configuration. The envelopes may or may not include any desired type of window(s). Existing or conventional envelopes can be retrofitted with the present invention, or the present invention can be used with new or modified envelope designs. When used with envelopes, the present invention is in no way limited by the type or characteristics of the envelope.
Any suitable number of adhesive spots 20 and weakened areas 30 may be used. In the example of
The example of
In accordance with another independent aspect of the present invention, the weakened area 30 includes at least one cut 32 formed into the container 10. As used in this patent, the term “cut” means one or more score, perforation, hole, indentation, thin section or any other formation that is weaker than other areas of the container portion upon which it is included, or any combination thereof. In the example of
Still referring to the example of
The cuts 32 and connectors 36 (when included) may have any desired shape, size and orientation. For example, the shape and size of the cuts and connectors may be selected based upon the material composition, thickness of the container and/or the desired separation control and sturdiness (as defined below). In typical applications, the cuts 32 assist in limiting or stopping tearing of or damage to one or more connected container portion during separation, thus enhancing release of the container portions and separation control. In contrast, in typical applications, the connectors 36 serve a different purpose—to provide support and sturdiness to the weakened area 30 during handling of the container and/or during separation. This feature is sometimes referred to herein as “sturdiness”. Some examples of sturdiness are to prevent inadvertent or undesirable breaking of the cuts 32 prior to separation of the connected container portions, and/or to withstand separating tension and prevent undesired detachment of the corresponding adhesive spot 20 and attached material from its original container portion during separation. At the same time, however, the connectors 36 (in such applications) essentially act against separation control by serving as potential paths (“tear paths”) for undesirable tearing and damage to one or more of the connected container portion(s) during separation thereof. Accordingly, in various applications, the longer the cut(s) 32, the greater the separation control and the less sturdy the weakened area 30, while the longer the connectors 36, the less the separation control and greater the sturdiness. Thus, it may be desirable or necessary to consider the above factors in determining the nature and configuration of the weakened area 30 in any particular application.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-C, the weakened areas 30 each include a large number of short perforation-type cuts 32 and short connectors 36. In the examples of
In another independent aspect of the invention, the cut(s) 32 and connectors 36 (when included) of each weakened area 30 may be formed in any desired pattern, configuration and location. In
In other embodiments, such as the examples of FIGS. 5A-F, the weakened area(s) 30 may include one or more overlapping cut 34. An overlapping cut 34 is a cut 32 that at least partially overlaps at least one other cut 32 (which may also be an overlapping cut 34) of the weakened area 30 without crossing such other cut(s) 32. As used in this patent, the term “overlap” and variations thereof means to be in front of or behind relative to an adhesive spot, or adjacent to, such as parallel, and not crossing. The use of overlapping cuts 34 in the weakened area 30 may, in various applications, improve or provide desired separation control and sturdiness. For example, in the embodiment of
Any desired number of overlapping cuts 34 may be included in any desired configuration. Further, the overlapping cuts 34 may have any desired shape. For example, FIGS. 5A-F show various embodiments of arcuate-shaped cuts 32a, linear cuts 32b and combination arc/linear cuts 32c. Further, the weakened area 30 may include all of the same type of overlapping cut 34 or any combination of different types of overlapping and/or non-overlapping cuts.
The overlapping cuts 34, when included, may have any desired length. In some applications, long cuts 34 and/or long connectors 36 may provide sufficient sturdiness and still provide desired separation control. In the embodiment of
In still a further independent aspect of the present invention, the cuts 32 and connectors 36 of a weakened area 30 may be disposed in any desired orientation relative to one or more adhesive spot 20.
The orientation or positioning of the cuts 32 forming a weakened area 30 may, if desired, be selected based upon the expected or proscribed direction(s) of separation of the connected container portions, or to provide separation control regardless of the direction of separation. For example, in the embodiment of
For other examples, the cuts 32 of the embodiments of
Referring to the embodiment of
FIGS. 7A-D show an embodiment of the present invention used in connection with an example reusable envelope 60 having an address window 61. As shown in
In the embodiment of
In each of
FIGS. 14A-B illustrate an example carton 100 having first and second panels 116, 118 useful for closing and opening the carton 100. In
In the embodiments of FIGS. 15A-E, an example cardboard or paperboard box 120 is shown having first and second panels 126, 128 useful for closing and opening the box 120. As shown in
FIGS. 16A-C show an embodiment of the present invention used in connection with an example form 140. The form 140 has front and back panels 142, 146 and numerous interior panels 148 (
In
FIGS. 17A-C illustrate a mailable brochure 160 having front and back panels 142, 146 and numerous interior pages 148 disposed therebetween. A seal flap 162 extends from the back panel 146 at a fold line 164 and includes numerous adhesive spots 20 and aligned weakened areas 30. The front panel 142 includes numerous opposing weakened areas 130. In
Preferred embodiments of the present invention thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of the invention. It should be understood that all of the above components and any other components that may be included may have any suitable, desired size, material construction, configuration, form and quantity, as is or becomes known. The present invention is in no way limited to the components, configurations, dimensions, specific examples or other details described above or shown in the attached figures. Further, the above-described features are not limited to the details as described and shown. Yet further, each such feature can be used independent of any other feature. Moreover, the present invention does not require each of the above features and includes further capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art based upon the description above and the appended drawings and claims.
While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patentee, within the scope of the appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of the invention and scope of appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should thus be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of the invention and the appended claims is not limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/450,056 filed Feb. 25, 2003 and entitled Connecting and/or Separating Mechanism.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60450056 | Feb 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10784504 | Feb 2004 | US |
| Child | 11326883 | Jan 2006 | US |
